5 Health Benefits of Garlic You Probably Didn’t Know About 

By: Jenn Grandlienard

There’s a saying on my dad’s side of the family, “there’s NEVER too much garlic for a Horton.” (Horton is my maiden name.) You see, my dad’s side of the family LOVES garlic. For instance, when I cook a meal, if the recipe calls for 2 cloves of garlic, I usually put about 5. (Or more.)

And we’re not the only ones. Professional chef, Alton Brown, once said, “garlic don’t need no reason.” Unfortunately, my husband doesn’t appreciate the amount of garlic I do, so I have to tame my garlic obsession now that I’m married. 

So now that you know a bit about how much I love garlic, did you know there’s actually some legitimate health benefits to that potent little cousin-of-the-onion? (Bet you didn’t know it was in the same family as the onion huh?)

1. Garlic tastes great (don’t you know it!) but also has very little calories. Now, I’m not saying to skip the celery and just go chomping on some raw garlic. Not even I could do that. But don’t be afraid to experiment with it in your cooking! You might end up liking it, and your hips will thank you!

2. Garlic can fight the common cold and other sickies. Move over Nyquil, garlic is here to save the day! Next time you’re feeling under the weather, add some garlic to whatever soup or meal you’re making and your immune system may just grow some extra germ-fighting muscles.

3. The compounds in garlic can fight high blood pressure. This is one I’m especially thankful for, seeing as I’m on medication for high blood pressure. Evidently it’s genetic (thanks dad!) but I’m still fighting it like Rocky in hopes of someday getting off my meds!  

4. Garlic helps cholesterol levels, combating heart disease. You know what goes well on the side of a hard, cardiovascular run on the treadmill? A side of garlic. Again, not solo, but maybe on some broccoli, stir fry or whole wheat pasta! My go-to for an easy meal is whole wheat pasta with butter, garlic and grilled chicken. Yea I know butter isn’t the best, but maybe the health benefits of the garlic negates the fat in the butter? One can dream…

5. The antioxidants in garlic can help prevent Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. Back up blueberries, dark chocolate and red wine! Put down the crossword, sudoku and the Rubik’s cube. Garlic is here to say there’s a new memory-strengthening, antioxidant rich player in the game. 

But don’t just take it from me, do some research and I promise you, you’ll find even more health benefits of garlic than the 5 listed. Basically garlic is bomb. It’s lit. It’s whatever other words the kids are using these days. Try it, it’s yummy and your body will say thank you!